Fascist O’Flaherty tackled in Belfast
On the afternoon of Monday the 2nd of May several reports were received by Lasair Dhearg activists that well known anti-women, anti-LGBT Islamophobe Dara O’Flaherty was distributing leaflets at a nearby shopping centre.
Very quickly, anti-fascist activists scrambled small numbers to verify his presence, and shut down the distribution.
Lasair Dhearg’s Pól Torbóid, who was in attendance, said, “Upon arrival we noticed that well-known Galway native Dara O’Flaherty was indeed distributing leaflets outside the Asda West Belfast store. Another male was in attendance, and local election candidate Tony Mallon was in the vicinity.”
“Activists moved in quickly, acquired their leaflets, disposed of them in the nearest bin, and left both men with a clear understanding that Dara is not welcome in Belfast. It has since been claimed by Tony Mallon on social media that both men were assaulted.”
“After the interaction, activists approached Tony Mallon as he arrived on scene. It was made abundantly clear to him that Dara and his politics were not welcome. Tony said that he was unaware of the background of Dara O’Flaherty and that Tony ‘wishes to work with everyone’, that he was working with other election candidates and other Republican organisations which he named, and all who have subsequently denied any link or affiliation with him.”
“Tony understands that the continued presence of Dara O’Flaherty on his campaign, and others like him, will be opposed by anti-fascists.”
Pól said, “A large network of anti-fascists have been organising in Belfast for some time now. They lie in wait and their primary purpose is to respond to the presence of fascists and fascist organising on our streets.”
“They responded in the summer of 2020 when the Irish Freedom Party attempted to organise openly, shutting them down quickly and without hesitation. And I do not doubt that they will continue to respond should O’Flaherty or others raise their heads again.”
“Fascists will be given no platform in Belfast.”
ENDS
